Moy to become first town in Mid Ulster to have natural gas

Pictured with Councillor Thomas OHanlon; Councillor Sam Nicholson; Councillor Thomas Molloy; Councillor Garath Keating and businessman Ivor Cowan are Philip Hewitt; Michael Anderson; Michael Scott, Managing Director; Ciaran Brennan and Paul Stanfield, Sales Director all from Firmus Energy

Firmus Energy announced their plans at a presentation to local elected representatives on Friday morning, and revealed the neighbouring towns of Benburb and Blackwatertown will have natural gas by Christmas of next year.

Sinn Fein councillor for the area, Dominic Molloy, welcomed the news, adding: “Whilst this will involve construction work to install the pipeline, I have been given assurances by Firmus Energy that they will be working closely with the general public and business owners of the area to minimise disruption. I also took the opportunity to assure them that elected reps such as myself would be holding them to that promise.”

Following discussions with the Utility Regulator, Firmus Energy received approval to extend its natural gas network to Moy and the surrounding areas of Benburb, Blackwatertown and Charlemont in a £2m investment programme. Work on extending the pipeline has now started, with the first customers due to be connected in 2016.

Attendees at the briefing were updated on firmus energy’s plans for the area and how connecting to natural gas can help homes and businesses increase energy efficiency and improve environmental credentials.

Michael Scott, managing director for Firmus Energy, explained: “We would like to thank the local elected representatives and businesses from the area that came along to express their interest in this major energy development for Moy. We are delighted to be able to offer an alternative way for people to heat their homes and businesses across the Moy, Benburb, Blackwatertown and Charlemont areas.

“Natural gas brings many benefits including up to a 30% reduction in carbon emissions compared to oil, the convenience of a constant supply of energy, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, no need for storage facilities or the worry of ordering or running out of fuel.”

The company also thanked the local community for their understanding whilst they are working to extend the pipeline, Michael continued.

“We appreciate the co-operation of local people during the necessary work and apologise for any inconvenience. firmus energy will continue to liaise with all the appropriate bodies, including Transport NI/DRD Road Service and the PSNI, to ensure that any impact is kept to a minimum and that all work is carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible. We are confident that Moy will benefit significantly over the long term from this investment.”